Lean and Green Business Symposium Offered

Six top manufacturing professionals will discuss successful cost cutting techniques during The Lean and Green Business Symposium on Monday, March 28, 2011 from 8 AM to 1 PM at Homestead Growers Greenhouse. Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation (AAEDC) and the Maryland World Class Consortia are hosting the half day presentation to help businesses learn new methods for cutting production costs and growing new business opportunities.

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The symposium will highlight techniques, case studies and resources that can be used to reduce production costs and eliminate waste while following environmental and business best practices. Topics include sustainable manufacturing, green return on investment, solar energy systems – lean from design to installation, and financial assistance for lean and green training. The information contained in this symposium will resonate with manufacturers and distribution companies as well as contractors and installers associated with green alternative energy sources.

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“We have assembled some of the region's most successful manufacturers who know first-hand the tremendous value of being lean and green,” said Jeff Fuchs, Director of the Maryland World Class Consortia. “These high caliber speakers make this an exciting and important event for companies looking for ways to reduce costs and increase profitability.”

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Anne Arundel County Executive John R. Leopold said, “it is a priority for this administration to promote efficiency in both government and business. I urge county businesses to take advantage of this valuable presentation.”

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Business symposium speakers include Joe Malone, Lean Team Leader at MarquipWardUnited, Jeff Blankman, Sustainable Manufacturing Mgr. at McCormick & Company (McCormick Spice), Bill Poulin, Senior Director Business Development-Renewables Residential at Leviton Manufacturing Company and former Director of Global Best Practices at BP Solar, Bill Barnes, Director of the University of Maryland Manufacturing Assistance Program, and Jeff Fuchs, Director of the Maryland World Class Consortia. Don Riddle, President of Homestead Gardens, Inc., will welcome attendees to his growing facility which produces over 2.2 million plants each year and he will end the program with a tour of Homestead's greenhouse production. Sallie Sarelas, Business Services Director at the Anne Arundel Workforce Development Corporation, will provide an overview of training funding and incentives available to manufacturing-related employers in Anne Arundel County.

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“This high energy, low-cost, information packed session is part of the AAEDC mission to provide business services that help Anne Arundel County companies grow,” said Robert Hannon, AAEDC president and CEO. “In today's economy, becoming highly productive is synonymous with becoming highly profitable. Being profitable can be compatible with the environment. These principles are essential to today's business strategy and are an essential part of staying successful.”

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Registration is required for the Lean and Green Business Syposium. More information and the registration form can be found on the AAEDC website, www.aaedc.org, or by contacting Dawn Merson, 410-222-7410 or dmerson@aaedc.org. Cost for the symposium is $50.00 per person.